Scooter carrying case and backpack apparatus

ABSTRACT

A backpack apparatus comprises a backpack body, a holder panel assembly, and a closure device. The backpack body has a top portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, a back portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion and defines a main storage compartment. The holder panel assembly has a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The holder panel assembly includes a first side wall and a second side wall. The bottom edge of the holder panel assembly is fixedly attached to the backpack body, and the top edge of the holder panel is unattached to the backpack body. The first side wall of the holder panel is fixedly attached to the backpack body, and the second side wall of the holder panel is fixedly attached to the backpack body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/104,688, filed May 10, 2011, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to cases and backpacks for carryingscooters.

BACKGROUND

Freestyle scootering is an increasingly popular action sport. There areseveral freestyle scooter competitions and exhibitions held annually inwhich participants engage in stylized riding and a variety of tricks. Inaddition, riders use scooters for exercise and recreation in parks, citystreets, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. Scooters are alsobecoming more popular as a mode of urban transportation.

As more people participate in leisure scooter activity and organizedevents and use scooters for transportation purposes, a need has arisenfor a convenient way to carry and transport scooters. In particular,many public facilities such as schools, retail stores and other publicbuildings are reluctant to allow people to enter if they are openlycarrying a scooter. Securely stowing the scooter in a bag wouldalleviate this problem in most cases. However, there are very fewexisting bags or carrying cases designed to hold scooters, and mostfreestyle scooters are quite bulky and often are not easily collapsible.Thus, there is a need for a convenient bag designed to carry a freestylescooter.

Some backpacks for carrying and transporting skateboards or inlineskates are currently available. They typically include a holder for thesporting good that consists of a simple flap attached to the backpackbody. The holder sometimes includes buckles to attach the flap to thebody of the backpack. However, these backpacks have some significantdisadvantages. Because there is no solid connection or closure on thesides of the holder, the skateboard or other sporting good is not heldsecurely and may shift and move around when the user is waling. Anotherdisadvantage is that the flap looks unattractive when not being used tocarry the sporting good.

Accordingly, there is a need for a carrying case or backpack that isspecifically designed to hold a freestyle scooter. More particularly,there is a need for a backpack with a holder that can securely house andtransport a freestyle scooter and also looks attractive when not in use.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure, in its many embodiments, alleviates to a greatextent the disadvantages of known sporting good carrying bags byproviding a backpack that includes a holder panel assembly with sidewalls that forms a scooter storage compartment and is convertiblebetween an open position and a partially closed position. In addition, aclosure device secures the stem of the scooter handlebar assembly, and aside pocket may also be provided to house the stem.

Exemplary embodiments of a backpack apparatus comprise a backpack bodyand a holder panel assembly. The backpack body has a top portion, abottom portion, a front portion, a back portion, a first side portion,and a second side portion and defining a main storage compartment. Theholder panel assembly includes a holder panel which has a top edge, abottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The holder panelassembly also includes at least one zipper assembly, a first side wallextending from a portion of the first side edge of the holder panel, anda second side wall extending from a portion of the second side edgeholder panel. The bottom edge of the holder panel is fixedly attached tothe backpack body. The top edge of the holder panel is unattached to thebackpack body. The first side wall of the holder panel assembly isfixedly attached to the backpack body, and the second side wall of theholder panel assembly is fixedly attached to the backpack body. Thebackpack also comprises a closure device attached to the first sideportion of the backpack body. An exemplary embodiment of a closuredevice comprises a band and a fastener.

In exemplary embodiments, the holder panel assembly defines a scooterstorage compartment. The scooter storage compartment defines a firstside opening defined by the first side edge of the holder panel, thefirst side wall of the holder panel assembly, and the first side portionof the backpack body. The scooter storage compartment may further definea second side opening defined by the second side edge of the holderpanel, the second side wall of the holder panel assembly, and the secondside portion of the backpack body.

The at least one zipper assembly may comprise a first zipper assemblyrunning along the first side edge of the holder panel and a secondzipper assembly running along the second side edge of the holder panel.In exemplary embodiments, the backpack apparatus further comprises atleast one strap apparatus fixedly attached to the holder panel assemblyand releasably attachable to the backpack body. The backpack apparatusmay also comprise a side pocket on the first side portion of thebackpack body located below the closure device.

Exemplary embodiments include a backpack apparatus for carrying ascooter, comprising a backpack body defining a main storage compartment,a holder panel assembly and a closure device. The backpack body has atop portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, a back portion, a firstside portion, a second side portion, and a side pocket on the first sideportion. The holder panel assembly includes a holder panel which has atop edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge andincludes a first side wall extending from a portion of the first sideedge of the holder panel, and a second side wall extending from aportion of the second side edge of the holder panel.

The first side wall of the holder panel assembly is fixedly attached tothe backpack body, and the second side wall of the holder panel assemblyis fixedly attached to the backpack body. The bottom edge of the holderpanel is fixedly attached to the backpack body, and the top edge of theholder panel is unattached to the backpack body. The holder panelassembly further includes a first zipper assembly running along thefirst side edge of the holder panel and a second zipper assembly runningalong the second side edge of the holder panel. A closure device isattached to the first side portion of the backpack body. The closuredevice may comprise a band and a fastener. In exemplary embodiments, theband is made of an elastic material and the fastener is made of velcro.The backpack apparatus may further comprise at least one strap apparatusfixedly attached to the holder panel assembly and releasably attachableto the backpack body.

In exemplary embodiments, the holder panel assembly defines a scooterstorage compartment convertible between an open configuration and apartially closed configuration. In the open configuration the first andsecond zipper assemblies are each in an unzipped position such that thescooter storage compartment defines a first side opening defined by thefirst side edge of the holder panel, the first side wall of the holderpanel assembly, and the first side portion of the backpack body and asecond side opening defined by the second side edge of the holder panel,the second side wall of the holder panel assembly, and the second sideportion of the backpack body. In the partially closed configuration thefirst zipper assembly is in an unzipped position such that the scooterstorage compartment defines a first side opening defined by the firstside edge of the holder panel, the first side wall of the holder panelassembly, and the first side portion of the backpack body, and thesecond zipper assembly is in a zipped position.

Exemplary embodiments of a carrying case a scooter comprise a main body,a scooter storage compartment, and a closure device. The main body has atop portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, a back portion, a firstside portion, and a second side portion and defines a main storagecompartment. The scooter storage compartment is defined by a panel, afirst side wall, and a second side wall. The scooter storage compartmentis attached to the main body by the first and second side walls and isconvertible between an open configuration and a partially closedconfiguration. The closure device is attached to the first side portionof the main body and may comprise a band and a fastener. The carryingcase may further comprise a side pocket on the first side portion of themain body located below the closure device. At least one strap apparatusmay be fixedly attached to the panel and releasably attachable to themain body.

In exemplary embodiments, the panel comprises at least one zipperassembly that may include a first zipper assembly on a first side edgeof the panel and a second zipper assembly on a second side edge of thepanel. When the scooter storage compartment is in the open configurationthe first and second zipper assemblies are each in an unzipped positionsuch that the scooter storage compartment defines a first side openingdefined by the first side edge of the panel, the first side wall of thepanel, and the first side portion of the main body and a second sideopening defined by the second side edge of the panel, the second sidewall of the panel, and the second side portion of the main body. Whenthe scooter storage compartment is in the partially closed configurationthe first zipper assembly is in an unzipped position such that thescooter storage compartment defines a first side opening defined by thefirst side edge of the panel, the first side wall of the panel, and thefirst side portion of the main body, and the second zipper assembly isin a zipped position.

Exemplary embodiment of a backpack apparatus comprises a backpack bodyhaving a top portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, a back portion,a first side portion, and a second side portion and defines a mainstorage compartment. The bottom portion of the backpack apparatus has afront edge, a back edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. Thefront edge of the bottom portion is fixedly attached to the frontportion of the backpack body, and the back edge of the bottom portion isfixedly attached to the back portion of the backpack body. One or moreof the first side edge of the bottom portion and the second side edge ofthe bottom portion are unattached to the backpack body. The bottomportion of the backpack apparatus may be expandable.

In exemplary embodiments, the backpack apparatus further comprises afastener operatively coupled to the bottom portion. The fastener may bea zipper assembly on one or more of the first side edge of the bottomportion and the second side edge of the bottom portion. In exemplaryembodiments, the fastener comprises at least one buckle. The backpackapparatus may further comprise a closure device attached to the firstside portion of the backpack body. In exemplary embodiments, thebackpack apparatus has a side pocket on the first side portion of thebackpack body, and the side pocket is located below the closure device.

Exemplary embodiments include a carrying case for a scooter comprising amain body and a scooter storage compartment. The main body has a topportion, a front portion, a back portion, a first side portion, and asecond side portion. The scooter storage compartment is defined by thetop portion, the front portion, the back portion, the first sideportion, the second side portion, and a bottom portion of the main body.The bottom portion has a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge, anda second side edge. In exemplary embodiments, one or more of the frontedge, the back edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge ofthe bottom portion are fixedly attached to the main body.

One or more of the front edge, the back edge, the first side edge, andthe second side edge of the bottom portion may be unattached to the mainbody. Thus, the bottom portion may be convertible between an openconfiguration and a closed configuration. In exemplary embodiments, theback edge of the bottom portion is fixedly attached to the back portionof the main body, and the front edge, the first side edge, and thesecond side edge of the bottom portion are unattached to the main bodyof the carrying case.

In exemplary embodiments, the carrying case further comprises a fasteneroperatively coupled to the bottom portion. The fastener may be a zipperassembly movable around the first side edge, the front edge, and thesecond side edge of the bottom portion. The fastener may comprise atleast one buckle. In exemplary embodiments, the carrying case furthercomprises an expander element connected to a side portion of the mainbody and to the bottom portion of the main body to facilitate expansionof the bottom portion. The carrying case may further comprise a closuredevice attached to the first side portion of the main body and a sidepocket on the first side portion of the main body located below theclosure device.

In exemplary embodiments, a backpack apparatus comprises a backpackbody, one or more shoulder straps connected to the backpack body, and areleasable strap slidably connectable to the one or more shoulderstraps. The backpack body has a top portion, a bottom portion, a frontportion, a back portion, a first side portion, and a second side portionand defines a main storage compartment. The bottom portion of thebackpack body has a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge, and asecond side edge. In exemplary embodiments, the back edge of the bottomportion is fixedly attached to the back portion of the backpack body,and the front edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of thebottom portion are unattached to the backpack body. In exemplaryembodiments, the front edge of the bottom portion is fixedly attached tothe front portion of the backpack body, the back edge of the bottomportion is fixedly attached to the back portion of the backpack body,and one or more of the first side edge of the bottom portion and thesecond side edge of the bottom portion is unattached to the backpackbody.

In exemplary embodiments, one or more of the front edge, the back edge,the first side edge, and the second side edge of the bottom portion isfixedly attached to the backpack body. One or more of the front edge,the back edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of thebottom portion may be unattached to the backpack body. Exemplaryembodiments of a releasable strap have a shoulder strap mounting portionand a scooter receiving portion. The shoulder strap mounting portion mayinclude a webbing strip and an elastic strip, and the scooter receivingportion may include a scooter securing part and a scooter fastener part.In exemplary embodiments, the webbing strip comprises an elasticmaterial, and the scooter fastener part may comprise a velcro material.

Accordingly, it is seen that backpack apparatus and carrying cases areprovided which provide convenient and secure storage compartments forcarrying and transporting freestyle scooters. These and other featuresand advantages will be appreciated from review of the following detaileddescription, along with the accompanying figures in which like referencenumbers refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects of the disclosure will be apparent uponconsideration of the following detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatus inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatus inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatus inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatus inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatus inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatus inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a scooter in accordancewith the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatusand scooter in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatus andscooter in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatusand scooter in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a side view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatus andscooter in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatusand a scooter in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatusand scooter steer tube and handlebar assembly in accordance with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatus andscooter in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatusin accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a rear view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatus inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a side view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatus inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a side view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatus inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a side view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatus inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a side view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatus andscooter in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatusand scooter in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a backpackapparatus and scooter in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a backpackapparatus in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatusin accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a side view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatus inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a backpack apparatusand scooter in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a releasable strap in accordance withthe present disclosure; and

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a releasable strap in accordance withthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following paragraphs, embodiments will be described in detail byway of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which arenot drawn to scale, and the illustrated components are not necessarilydrawn proportionately to one another. Throughout this description, theembodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, ratherthan as limitations of the present disclosure. As used herein, the“present disclosure” refers to any one of the embodiments describedherein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various aspectsof the disclosure throughout this document does not mean that allclaimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced aspects.

FIGS. 1-6 show an exemplary embodiment of a carrying case 1 for ascooter. The carrying case 1 may be in any basic form, such as that of alarge handbag, duffel bag, suitcase, or other luggage. In exemplaryembodiments, the carrying case is a backpack apparatus 1 comprised of abackpack body 10 and a holder panel assembly 12. The backpack body 10has a top portion 14, a bottom portion 16, a front portion 18, a backportion 20, a first side portion 22, and a second side portion 24 thattogether define a main storage compartment 26. As best seen in FIG. 3, asecondary storage compartment 27 could also be provided. Shoulder straps28 a, 28 b may be provided that extend vertically adjacent the backportion 20 of the backpack body 10 so the user can comfortably don thebackpack apparatus 1 over his or her shoulders and carry it on his orher back. The shoulder straps 28 a, 28 b may be removably fastened tothe backpack body 10 at or near the top and bottom portions 14, 16 ormay be integrally formed with the backpack body 10. Exemplaryembodiments further include a front securing strap 37 and buckle 39 toprovide an additional securing mechanism for holding a scooter, asdiscussed in more detail herein.

As best seen in FIG. 2, a webbing strap 21 may be provided to makecarrying the backpack apparatus 1 more comfortable, may extend along orbetween the shoulder straps 28 a, 28 b, and may include a detachablebuckle 32 or other mechanism to adjust the length of the strap 21. Asdiscussed in more detail herein, a releasable strap 29 may be providedon one or more of shoulder straps 28 a, 28 b to secure a scooterhandlebar 136 to the shoulder strap 28 so the handlebar 136 does notswing around when carried. In exemplary embodiments, the releasablestrap 29 employs a fastener of velcro material. A handle 23 may befixedly attached to the backpack body 10 for ease of carrying.

Holder panel assembly 12 includes a fabric holder panel 13 which may beapproximately the same size, or a little bit smaller than, the frontportion 18 of the backpack body 10. The holder panel 13 has a top edge34, a bottom edge 36, a first side edge 38, and a second side edge 40.In exemplary embodiments, the bottom edge 36 of the holder panel 13 isattached to the backpack body 10 at or near the part of the backpackapparatus where the bottom portion 16 and front portion 18 of thebackpack body 10 meet. The top edge 34 of the holder panel 13 may bestraight or have a crescent shape. Thus, holder panel 13 may besubstantially square or rectangle shaped but with a curved top edge 34.The holder panel 13 may also include a rear pocket 15 for extra storagespace.

As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, in exemplary embodiments the top edge 34of the holder panel 13 is not directly attached to the backpack body 10.Rather, one or more strap apparatus 42 may be provided, which couldinclude a buckle 44. The strap apparatus 42 a, 42 b serve to releasablyattach the holder panel 13 to the backpack body 10 and may be adjustablein length. As described in more detail herein, the strap apparatus 42may also help to secure a scooter steer tube 122 when the backpackapparatus 1 is being used to carry a scooter. The arrangement of the topedge 34 of the holder panel 13 being unattached to the backpack body 10with the releasable attachment capability of the strap apparatus 42 andbuckle 44 is advantageous in that the top edge 34 of the holder panel 13can be spaced from the backpack body 10 so there is space in the holderpanel assembly 12 to house the scooter.

The holder panel assembly 12 further comprises one or more side walls46, 48 attached to the first and second side edges 38, 40 of the holderpanel 13. More particularly, first side wall 46 extends from a portionof the first side edge 38 of the holder panel 13, and second side wall48 extends from the second side edge 40 of the holder panel 13. Sidewalls 46, 48 may be fixedly attached to or integrally formed with theside edges 38, 40 of fabric holder panel 13. The side walls 46, 48 areeither fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the backpack body10 as well. First side wall 46 connects with backpack body 10 at or neara point where the first side portion 22 meets the front portion 18 ofthe backpack body 10, second side wall 48 connects with backpack body 10at or near a point where the second side portion 24 meets the frontportion 18 of the backpack body.

This arrangement of side walls 46, 48 advantageously provides additionalconnections between the holder panel 13 and the backpack body 10 whilealso helping to define a scooter storage compartment 50 having sideopenings 52, 54 to provide space for parts of a scooter 100 to extendfrom the backpack apparatus 1. More particularly, as best seen in FIG.4, a first side opening 52 is defined by first side wall 46 forming thetop of the side opening 52, the first side edge 38 of the holder panel13, and the first side portion 22 of the backpack body 10. Similarly, asecond side opening 54 is defined by second side wall 48 forming the topof the side opening 54, the second side edge 40 of the holder panel 13,and the second side portion 22 of the backpack body 10. As discussed inmore detail herein, the additional connections to the backpack body 10provided by side walls 46, 48 serve to stabilize a scooter 100 when thescooter is being carried in the scooter storage compartment 50 of thebackpack apparatus 1.

The holder panel assembly 12 may also include one or more slidablefasteners such as a zipper assembly 56, which serve to open and closethe scooter storage compartment 50. More particularly, exemplaryembodiments have a first zipper assembly 56 a and a second zipperassembly 56 b on opposite sides of the holder panel 13. The first zipperassembly 56 a runs along the first side edge 38 of the holder panel 13and can connect the holder panel 13 to the backpack body 10 at or nearan area where the first side portion 22 meets the front portion 18 ofthe backpack body 10. The second zipper assembly 56 b runs along thesecond side edge 40 of the holder panel 13 and can connect the holderpanel 13 to the backpack body 10 at or near an area where the secondside portion 24 meets the front portion 18 of the backpack body 10. Asdiscussed in more detail herein, the zipper assemblies 56 a, 56 bslidably fasten and unfasten the holder panel 13 to the backpack body 10and enable the user to convert the scooter storage compartment 50between an open configuration and a partially closed configurationdepending on whether the zippers or in a zipped or unzipped position.The zipper assemblies 56 a, 56 b may close from the top down or thebottom up, depending on the storage configurations desired.

In exemplary embodiments, a closure device 60 is provided to hold andsecure a steer tube 122 of a scooter 100. The closure device 60 could beany type of component that can be fixedly attached to a side portion 22,24 of the backpack body 10 and has sufficient strength to hold thescooter steer tube 122. An exemplary embodiment of a closure device 60is a band 62 having a holding portion 64 and a mating portion 66. Amating piece 68 is fixedly attached to the first side portion 22 of thebackpack body 10 and mates with the mating portion 66 of the closuredevice 60. At least the holding portion 64 of the band 62 may be made ofan elastic material to make loading the scooter steer tube 122 easier.It should be noted that one or more closure devices could be provided onthe first and/or second sides 22, 24 of the backpack body 10. The matingportion 66 and mating piece 68 may be composed of any material ormechanism that provides a releasable connection and in exemplaryembodiments may be made of velcro, with male velcro on the matingportion 66 and female velcro on the mating piece 68. As discussed inmore detail herein, the closure device 60 may be opened and closed byreleasing and connecting mating portion 66 with mating piece 68.

As shown in FIG. 2, a second closure device 60A may be provided on theback portion 20 of the backpack body 10. As described in more detailherein, the closure device 60A can be used to secure the backpackapparatus 1 to a scooter when the user is riding the scooter. Closuredevice 60A can be any type of component that can be fixedly attached tothe back portion 20 of the backpack body 10 and has sufficient strengthto keep the backpack apparatus 1 securely fastened to a scooter steertube 122.

One or more side pockets 70 may be provided on the backpack apparatus 1.As described in more detail herein, the side pockets 70 may be used tohelp carry and support the bottom of a scooter steer tube 122. Inaddition, the side pockets 70 can provide additional storage for smallitems such as keys, wallets, purses, and small tools. Any number of sidepockets may be located on one or more of the first and/or second sides22, 24 of the backpack body 10. In exemplary embodiments, a side pocket70 is located on the first side portion 22 of the backpack body 10 belowthe closure device 60. This position advantageously allows a scootersteer tube 122 to be simultaneously held by the closure device 60 at anintermediate point of the steer tube 122 while the bottom of the steertube 122 is disposed within and supported by the side pocket 70. Inexemplary embodiments, side pocket 70 is a pocket made of a meshmaterial 73 with an elastic band 71 at its top edge. As described inmore detail herein, the elastic band 71 allows easy insertion of ascooter steer tube 122 while helping to keep the steer tube 122 heldfirmly in place. The side pocket 70 may also be made of a solid piece ofmaterial and have a fastener such a zipper assembly 72 to open and closeit.

With reference to FIG. 7, an exemplary embodiment of a scooter that canbe carried using disclosed embodiments of a backpack apparatus will nowbe described. Scooter assembly 100 includes a deck assembly 110comprised of deck 112 and, optionally, a grind plate 114 attachable tothe deck 112. Deck 12 is an elongate member that has a front end 118, arear end 135, a top surface 137, a bottom surface 138, and two oppositeside surfaces 140 a, 140 b. Exemplary embodiments of a deck 12 mayinclude a storage compartment 180 that the rider can use to store keys,money, etc. In particular, storage compartment 80 is useful for storingspecialized tools such as an Allen wrench that are needed to manipulatevarious fasteners to assemble or adjust components of the scooterassembly.

Neck 116 is joined to deck 112 at or near a front end 118 of the deck112. A head tube 120 is fixedly attached to the neck 116, which servesto operatively connect the deck 112 to the front wheel and the handlebarassemblies. The neck 116 may be integrally formed with the deck 112 suchthat the deck 112 and neck 116 are a single machined component.Alternatively, the neck 116 and head tube 120 may be integrally formedas a single component. The neck 116 and head tube 120 may be made ofvarious metals, plastic, carbon fiber, or other materials that impartsufficient structural strength but are not so heavy that they compromisemaneuverability of the scooter.

Steer tube 122 has a top portion 124 and a bottom portion 126 andextends through the head tube 120. Front fork 128 is movably coupled tothe bottom portion 126 of the steer tube 122 and has a front wheel 130coupled thereto via front wheel axle 132. At the top portion 124 of thefront fork 128 a handlebar assembly 134 is attached, providing handles136 a, 136 b for the rider to grip and steer the scooter. Turning thehandlebar assembly 134 causes steer tube 122 to turn the front fork 128and front wheel 130. A brake 108 may be fixedly attached to orintegrally formed with a rear end 135 of deck 112, which also has a rearwheel 131 coupled thereto via a rear wheel axle 133. The rear wheel 131may be turnable or a fixed position wheel.

In operation, the user has at least two options for carrying a scooter100 with backpack apparatus 1. Disclosed embodiments of the backpackapparatus 1 facilitate secure carriage of a fully assembled scooter and,if desired, secure carriage of a partially disassembled scooter in whichthe steer tube has been separated from the deck assembly of the scooter.As mentioned above, the scooter storage compartment 50 is convertiblebetween an open configuration suitable for carrying a fully assembledscooter and a partially closed configuration for carrying a partiallydisassembled scooter.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, operation of the backpack apparatus tocarry a fully assembled scooter will now be described. First, the userfully unzips the first zipper assembly 56 a so the zipper assembly 56 ais in the fully open position. This creates a first side opening 52defined by the first side wall 46 of the holder panel assembly 12forming the top of the side opening 52, the first side edge 38 of theholder panel 13, and the first side portion 22 of the backpack body 10.Similarly, the user then fully unzips the second zipper assembly 56 b soa second side opening 54 is defined by the second side wall 48 of theholder panel assembly 12 forming the top of the second side opening 54,the second side edge 40 of the holder panel 13, and the second sideportion 22 of the backpack body 10. Thus, the user has created the twoopposing side openings 52, 54 of the scooter storage compartment 50 onopposite sides of the holder panel 13, thereby converting the scooterstorage compartment 50 to the open configuration. The user may unfastenbuckle 39 of front securing strap 37 to prepare for inserting thescooter 100. The user may also unfasten buckles 44 a, 44 b of the twostrap apparatus 42 a, 42 b to detach the holder panel 13 from thebackpack body 10.

Then the user inserts the scooter 100 into the scooter storagecompartment 50 of the backpack apparatus 1 by sliding the scooter deckassembly 110 through the first side opening 52 of the scooter storagecompartment 50. More particularly, the user slides the scooter deckassembly 110 in rear end first by inserting the rear wheel 131 first sothat the rear wheel 131 and rear end 135 of deck 112 are disposedthrough the first side opening 52. The user continues to slide thescooter 100 through so the rear wheel 131 and rear end 135 of deck 112extend through the second side opening 54 of the scooter storagecompartment 50. In exemplary embodiments, the user extends frontsecuring strap 37 around the rear end 135 of the scooter 100 and fastensbuckle 39 to further secure the rear end 135 of the scooter 100. Theuser may then fasten the buckles 44 a, 44 b of the strap apparatus 42 a,42 b to attach the holder panel 13 to the backpack body 10 and maytighten the straps as necessary to further secure the scooter 100.

As best seen in FIG. 8, a significant portion of the scooter deckassembly 110 should be disposed within the scooter storage compartment50 and rest at the bottom of the compartment. The front wheel 130 andfront fork 128 will extend out of the first side opening 52 and thesteer tube 122 and handlebar assembly 134 will extend upward adjacentthe first side portion 22 of the backpack body 10.

At this point, the user can employ the closure device 60 to secure thesteer tube 122 of the scooter 100. To do this, the user unfastens themating portion 66 from the mating piece 68 of the closure device 60 andholds the band 62 open. The user then places the scooter steer tube 122up against the first side portion 22 of the backpack body 10 adjacentthe mating piece 68 of the closure device 60. Next, the user stretchesthe band 62 around the scooter steer tube 122 and fastens the matingportion 66 to the mating piece 68 to create a tight connection so thescooter steer tube is snugly held by the closure device 60. The user canalso use the releasable strap 29 on shoulder strap 28 b to securescooter handlebar 136 b to the shoulder strap 28 so the handlebarassembly 134 does not swing around when carried. The user would extendthe releasable strap 29 around handlebar 136 b and close using thevelcro fastening material. Advantageously, the additional connectionsbetween the holder panel 13 and the backpack body 10 provided by sidewalls 46, 48 facilitate a snug fit for the scooter 100. Therefore, thescooter 100 is more securely held and less prone to shift or otherwisemove around when being carried in the backpack apparatus 1 by the user.

To unpack the scooter 100 from the backpack apparatus 1, the userunfastens the velcro of the releasable strap 29 on shoulder strap 28 band then unfastens the mating portion 66 from the mating piece 68 of theclosure device 60 to open the closure device. The user may then eitherunfasten the buckles 44 a, 44 b of the strap apparatus 42 a or justloosen one or both strap apparatus 42 a, 42 b. This creates some spacebetween the holder panel 13 and the backpack body 10 to ease removal ofthe scooter 100 from the scooter storage compartment 50. Then thescooter 100 can be slid out of the scooter storage compartment 50 bygrasping a front portion of the scooter 100 such as the front wheel 130,the front fork 128, the head tube 120, or the bottom portion 126 of thesteer tube 122 and pulling the scooter deck assembly 110 in through thesecond side opening 54 of the scooter storage compartment 50 and thenout the first side opening 52.

Turning to FIGS. 10-11, operation of the backpack apparatus to carry apartially disassembled scooter will be described. First, the user fullyunzips the first zipper assembly 56 a so the zipper assembly 56 a is inthe fully open position. This creates a first side opening 52 defined bythe first side wall 46 of the holder panel assembly 12 forming the topof the side opening 52, the first side edge 38 of the holder panel 13,and the first side portion 22 of the backpack body 10. On the other sideof the holder panel 13, the user fully zips the second zipper assembly56 b so the second side edge 40 of the holder panel 13 is fastened tothe second side portion 22 of the backpack body 10. Thus, the user hascreated only one side opening 52 for the scooter storage compartment 50on the first side of the holder panel 13, thereby converting the scooterstorage compartment 50 to the partially closed configuration. The usermay unfasten buckles 44 a, 44 b of the two strap apparatus 42 a, 42 b todetach the holder panel 13 from the backpack body 10. The user may alsounfasten buckle 39 of front securing strap 37 to prepare for insertingthe scooter 100.

Either previously, or at this time, the user partially disassembles thescooter 100. More particularly, the user separates the steer tube 122from the deck assembly 110 by removing the bottom portion 126 of thesteer tube 122 from the head tube 120. Then the user inserts the deckassembly 110 of the scooter 100 into the scooter storage compartment 50either through the top space 33 between the top edge 34 of the holderpanel 13 and front portion 18 of the backpack body 10 or the through thefirst side opening 52 of the holder panel assembly 12. If loaded fromthe top, the user faces the neck 116 and head tube 120 down so thosecomponents of the scooter rest at the bottom of the scooter storagecompartment 50 and the back 135 of the scooter 100 and the rear wheel131 and brake 108 stick out of the top space 33. If loaded through thefirst side opening 52, the user inserts the rear wheel 131 in first andslides the back 135 of the scooter 100 into the scooter storagecompartment 50 and upwards through the top opening 33. When the scooter100 is loaded, a rear portion of the deck assembly 110 may also stickout of the top opening 33, and an inner tube portion of the scooter 100may stick out of the first side opening 52. The user then fastens buckle44 b of the strap apparatus 42 b to secure the holder panel 13 to thebackpack body 10 and maintain a tight, snug storage of the scooter deckassembly 110. In exemplary embodiments, the user extends front securingstrap 37 around the back 135 of the scooter 100 and fastens buckle 39 tofurther secure the back 135 of the scooter 100.

The user then stows the steer tube 122 of the scooter 100 by placing thebottom portion 126 of the steer tube 122 into side pocket 70. Inexemplary embodiments, the user slides the bottom portion 126 of thesteer tube 122 in between the elastic band 71 of the mesh 73 side pocket70 and the side 22 of the backpack body 10. The elastic band 71 willhold the bottom portion 126 of the steer tube 122 securely. If thebackpack apparatus utilizes a solid flap side pocket 70A, as shown inFIG. 12, the user may zip the zipper 72 of the side pocket 70A up to apoint where the zipper 72 is adjacent the steer tube 122 for a more snugfit in the side pocket 70A. To secure the steer tube 122 of the scooter100 to the backpack apparatus 1, the user unfastens the mating portion66 from the mating piece 68 of the closure device 60 and holds the band62 open. The user then places the scooter steer tube 122 up against thefirst side portion 22 of the backpack body 10 adjacent the mating piece68 of the closure device 60. Next, the user stretches the band 62 aroundthe scooter steer tube 122 and fastens the mating portion 66 to themating piece 68 to create a tight connection so the scooter steer tubeis snugly held by the closure device 60.

As best seen in FIG. 11, one of the strap apparatus 42 a can be used tofurther secure the steer tube 122 of the scooter 100 by extending thestrap apparatus 42 around a top portion 124 of the steer tube 122 andfastening buckle 44 a. Advantageously, the additional connection betweenthe holder panel 13 and the backpack body 10 provided by side wall 46facilitates a snug fit for the scooter deck assembly 110. Therefore, thedeck assembly 110 is more securely held and less prone to shift orotherwise move around when being carried in the backpack apparatus 1 bythe user. As to the steer tube 122, it is simultaneously held by thestrap apparatus 42 a at or near a top portion 124 of the steer tube, bythe closure device 60 at an intermediate point of the steer tube 122,and the bottom of the steer tube 122 is disposed within and supported bythe side pocket 70.

To unpack the partially disassembled scooter 100 from the backpackapparatus 1 in which the scooter storage compartment 50 is in thepartially closed configuration, the user may first unfasten buckle 44 ato detach strap apparatus 42 a from the backpack body 10 or simplyloosen strap apparatus 42 a. Next, the user unfastens the mating portion66 from the mating piece 68 of the closure device 60 to open the closuredevice. The bottom portion 126 of the steer tube 122 may be lifted outof pocket 70. If using solid flap side pocket 70A, the zipper 72 of sidepocket 70A may be unzipped and the steer tube 122 removed.Alternatively, the closure device 60 may be loosened and the steer tube122 slid upwards and removed.

To unpack the scooter deck assembly 110 from the scooter storagecompartment 50, the user first unfastens buckle 39 to open frontsecuring strap 37 to release the back 135 of the scooter 100. Next, theuser may either unfasten the buckle 44 b of the strap apparatus 42 b orloosen strap apparatus 42 b. This creates some space between the holderpanel 13 and the backpack body 10 to ease removal of the deck assembly110 from the scooter storage compartment 50. Then the deck assembly 110can be slid out of the scooter storage compartment 50 by grasping therear wheel 131 or the back end 35 of the deck assembly 110 and pullingthe deck assembly upwards and out through the top opening 33 of theholder panel assembly 12. Alternatively, the user could grasp the headtube 120 and pull the scooter deck assembly 110 out through the firstside opening 52 of the scooter storage compartment 50.

Once the scooter 100 is removed from the backpack apparatus, both zipperassemblies 56 a, 56 b can be fully zipped up to close the side openings52, 54 and fully attach the holder panel assembly 12 to the backpackbody 10. This streamlines the backpack apparatus 1 and lends it a moreattractive appearance than if the holder panel 13 were left hangingloose. As seen in FIG. 12, the user can securely hang the backpackapparatus 1 on the scooter 100 so the user does not need to carry thebackpack apparatus 1 while riding. More particularly, shoulder straps 28a, 28 b are placed on handle bars 36 a, 36 b with one shoulder strapover each handle bar. Webbing strap 20 may be tightened and buckle 32fastened to shorten the length of the strap 20 and create a more secureconnection.

It should be noted that a variety of storage options are available forstowing a scooter 100 or components thereof in backpack apparatus 1. Byway of example, another approach is to carry the steer tube 122 andhandlebar assembly 134 in the scooter storage compartment 50, as shownin FIG. 13. An embodiment of a backpack apparatus 1 for this storageoption would have a first zipper assembly 56 a and a second zipperassembly 56 b on opposite sides of the holder panel 13 such that thezipper assemblies 56 a, 56 b close from the top of the first and secondside edges 38, 40 of the holder panel 13 to the bottom.

To stow the scooter steer tube 122 and handlebar assembly 134, the userfirst separates the steer tube 122 from the deck assembly 110 byremoving the bottom portion 126 of the steer tube 122 from the head tube120. The user then fully unzips zipper assemblies 56 a and 56 b so theyare positioned at the top of the first and second side edges 38, 40 ofthe holder panel 13. Then the user inserts the steer tube 122 andhandlebar assembly 134 of the scooter 100 into the scooter storagecompartment 50 either through the top space 33 between the top edge 34of the holder panel 13 and front portion 18 of the backpack body 10 orthrough the first or second side opening 52, 54 of the holder panelassembly 12. If loaded from the top, the user faces the handlebarassembly 134 down and may insert at an angle with one of handlebars 136a, 136 b first in order to fit the handlebar assembly 134 in the scooterstorage compartment 50. The handlebar assembly 134 and steer tube 122 isthen lowered down so the handlebar assembly 134 rests at the bottom ofthe scooter storage compartment 50, the bottom portion 126 of the steertube 122 sticks out of the top space 33, and one of handlebars 136 a,136 b sticks out of the first side opening 52 of the holder panelassembly 12 and the other of handlebars 136 a, 136 b sticks out of thesecond side opening 54 of the holder panel assembly 12.

If loaded through the first side opening 52, the user inserts the bottomportion 126 of the steer tube 122 in first, turns it upward and thenslides one of handlebars 136 a, 136 b into the scooter storagecompartment 50 so the bottom portion 126 of the steer tube 122 extendsupward through the top opening 33, one of handlebars 136 a, 136 b sticksout of the side opening 52 of the holder panel assembly 12 and the otherof handlebars 136 a, 136 b sticks out of the second side opening 54 ofthe holder panel assembly 12. The user then zips zipper assemblies 56 aand 56 b so they are positioned near the bottom of the first and secondside edges 38, 40 of the holder panel 13 adjacent to and securing thehandlebars 136 a, 136 b. The user may also fasten buckle 44 b of thestrap apparatus 42 b to secure the holder panel 13 to the backpack body10 and maintain a tight, snug storage of the scooter steer tube 122 andhandlebar assembly 134. To unload the scooter steer tube 122 andhandlebar assembly 134, the user unzips zipper assemblies 56 a and 56 band removes the steer tube 122 and handlebar assembly 134 by graspingeither the steer tube 122 or one of the handlebars 136 a, 136 andpulling the steer tube 122 and handlebar assembly 134 out through thetop opening 33 of the holder panel assembly 12 or through one of theside openings 52, 54 of the holder panel assembly 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, a second closure device 60A may be provided on theback portion 20 of the backpack body 10. Thus, the backpack apparatus 1can be secured to the scooter 100 by using closure device 60A to wraparound the scooter steer tube 122, as shown in FIG. 14. To do this, theuser unfastens the mating portion 66 from the mating piece 68 of theclosure device 60A and holds the band 62 open. The user then stretchesthe band 62 around the scooter steer tube 122 and fastens the matingportion 66 to the mating piece 68 to create a tight connection so theclosure device 60A snugly holds the steer tube 122. Advantageously, thisadditional connection between the closure device 60A and the scootersteer tube 122 provides a more secure attachment of the backpackapparatus 1 to the scooter 100. Therefore, the backpack apparatus 1 ismore securely held and less prone to shift or otherwise move aroundwhile the user is riding the scooter 100. To detach the backpackapparatus 1 from the scooter 100, the user unfastens the mating portion66 from the mating piece 68 of the closure device 60A, holds the band 62open, and grasps the backpack apparatus 1. Webbing strap 20 is loosenedand/or buckle 32 is unfastened. The user then takes the shoulder straps28 a, 28 b off of the handle bars 36 a, 36 b and removes the backpackapparatus 1 from the scooter 100.

Turning to FIGS. 15-26, exemplary embodiments of a backpack apparatus orscooter carrying case featuring a “double bottom” configuration will bedescribed. Backpack apparatus 201 has a top portion 214, a bottomportion 216, a front portion 218, a back portion 220, a first sideportion 222, and a second side portion 224 that together define a mainstorage compartment 226. The bottom portion 216 of the backpackapparatus 201 may by any shape and, in exemplary embodiments, has afront edge 281, a back edge 283, a first side edge 285, and second sideedge 287. The backpack apparatus 201 may also include a rear pocket 215for extra storage space. One or more side pockets 270 may be provided onthe backpack apparatus 201 and may have a pocket zipper assembly 272. Inexemplary embodiments, side pocket 270 is a pocket made of a meshmaterial 273 with an elastic band 271 at its top edge.

Shoulder straps 228 a, 228 b may be provided that extend verticallyadjacent the back portion 220 of the backpack body 210. The shoulderstraps 228 a, 228 b may be removably fastened to the backpack body 210at or near the top and bottom portions 214, 216 or may be integrallyformed with the backpack body 210. Exemplary embodiments further includea front securing strap 237 and buckle 239 to provide an additionalsecuring mechanism for holding a scooter, as discussed in more detailherein. The backpack apparatus 201 may include a webbing strap 221 tomake carrying the backpack more comfortable, may extend along or betweenthe shoulder straps 228 a, 228 b, and may include a detachable buckle232 or other mechanism to adjust the length of the strap 221. A handle223 may be fixedly attached to the backpack body 210 for ease ofcarrying.

As discussed in more detail above, a closure device 260 may be providedon one or more sides of the backpack apparatus, and second closuredevice 260A may be provided on the back portion 220 of the backpack body210. The first closure device 260 helps secure the scooter to thebackpack apparatus when carrying the scooter, and the second closuredevice 60A can be used to secure the backpack apparatus 201 to a scooterwhen the user is riding the scooter. The closure is a band 262 having aholding portion 264 and a mating portion 266. A mating piece 268 isfixedly attached to the backpack body 210 and mates with the matingportion 266 of the closure device 260, 260A.

As best seen in FIGS. 27-28, a releasable strap 229 may be provided onone or more of shoulder straps 228 a, 228 b to secure a scooterhandlebar 136 to the shoulder strap 228 so the handlebar 136 does notswing around when carried. In exemplary embodiments, the releasablestrap 229 includes a shoulder strap mounting portion 282 and a scooterreceiving portion 284. The shoulder strap mounting portion 282 may be alooped strip of webbing material sized fit onto a shoulder strap 228.More particularly, the shoulder strap mounting portion 282 may include awebbing strip 286 and an elastic strip 288 integrally formed as a loopedstrip and defining a space 290 to be inserted onto a shoulder strap 228.It should be noted that the elastic material and webbing material may belocated at different parts of the shoulder strap mounting portion 282 tooptimize the tight fit of the shoulder strap mounting portion 282 on theshoulder strap 228.

Exemplary embodiments of a scooter receiving portion 284 include ascooter securing part 292 and scooter fastener part 294 togetherdefining a scooter handlebar receiving aperture 295. The scootersecuring part 292 may be a strip of fabric sized to receive and tightlyhold a scooter handle bar 136. The scooter fastener part 294 may employa velcro material 296 to provide a strong but releasable fasteningfunctionality. However, it should be understood that the fastener part294 could comprise other fastening mechanisms, such as buckles, hook andloop fasteners, and others known in the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-26, exemplary embodiments of expandable doublebottom features include a backpack apparatus 201 in which the bottomportion 216 of the backpack is not fully attached to the backpack body210. In this regard, many different configurations are possible, each ofwhich provides an expandable storage compartment 250 for ease ofloading, carrying, and unloading a scooter 100. For example, the frontedge 281 of the bottom portion 216 of the backpack apparatus 201 may befixedly attached to the front portion 218 of the backpack body 210.Also, the back edge 283 of the bottom portion 216 may be fixedlyattached to the back portion 220 of the backpack body 210.

Thus, the bottom portion 216 of the backpack apparatus 201, beingunattached to the backpack body 210 at both side edges 285, 287, isexpandable and may stretch downward to provide sufficient space to housea scooter and apertures 251 to accommodate certain portions of thescooter. One or both of the side edges 285, 287 of the bottom portion216 may include a zipper assembly 256 or a buckle 258 so the side edges285, 287 can be secured to the backpack body 210 and the apertures 251sealed when the user is not carrying a scooter. Exemplary embodimentsmay also include one or more expander elements 290 connected to thebackpack body 210. A first expander element 290 a may be connected tothe first side portion 222 of the backpack body 210, and a secondexpander element 290 b may be connected to the second side portion 224of the backpack body 210 to facilitate expansion of the bottom portion216 of the backpack apparatus 201.

In operation, as shown in FIGS. 20-22, a scooter 100 may be loaded intothe backpack apparatus 201 by inserting it rear wheel 131 first throughaperture 251 b, through the expandable storage compartment 250, and thenout aperture 251 a. When loaded in this way, the rear wheel 131 and arear portion of the scooter deck 112 sticks out of aperture 251 a, andthe front wheel 130 sticks out of aperture 251 b. The bulk of thescooter 100 thus rests on the bottom portion 216 of the backpackapparatus 201, and in embodiments having an expander element 290, theexpander element facilitates the expansion of the bottom portion 216 toaccommodate the scooter 100. The closure device 260 can then be used tosecure the steer tube 122 of the scooter 100, as discussed above withreference to FIG. 8.

The user can also use the releasable strap 229 to secure scooterhandlebar 136 b to the shoulder strap 228. This is accomplished byplacing the handlebar 136 b into the scooter receiving portion 284 so itsticks through the scooter securing part 292 and then securing thehandlebar 136 b by closing scooter fastener part 294, which may be avelcro material 296. To unpack the scooter 100, the user opens thescooter fastener part 294, removes the handlebar 136 b, and then opensthe closure device 260 to release the steer tube 122. The scooter 100may then be pulled out of the expandable storage compartment 250 bygrasping the front wheel 130 or the head tube 120 and pulling thescooter 100 through the apertures 251 a, 251 b.

In other exemplary embodiments, the back edge 283 of the bottom portion216 of the backpack apparatus 201 is integrally formed with or fixedlyattached to the back portion 220 of the backpack body 210 while thefront edge 281, the first side edge 285, and the second side edge 287are unattached to the body 210. A fastener such as a zipper assembly 256may be used to open and close the bottom portion 216 of the backpackapparatus 201. Storage straps 380 with buckles 382 may provide supportfor stowing a scooter. An expander element 290 is integrally formed withor attached to the backpack body 210, e.g., by sewing it into an insidesurface of the backpack body 210. In exemplary embodiments, the expanderelement 290 is a piece of fabric connected to one or both of the frontedge 281 and back edge 283 of the bottom portion 216 of the backpackbody 210. Alternatively, the expander element 290 may be connected toone or more of the front and back portions 218, 220 of the backpack body210. In operation, stowing a scooter would include the same stepsdiscussed above to rest the scooter on the expander element 290.

Turning to FIGS. 24-26, exemplary embodiments also include a backpackapparatus 301 having a top portion 214, a bottom portion 216, a frontportion 218, a back portion 220, a first side portion 222, and a secondside portion 224 that together form a backpack body 210 and define amain storage compartment 226. Storage straps 380 are connected to thebottom of the front and back portions 218, 220 of the backpack body 210,e.g., with two straps connected to the front and two connected to back.Each pair of storage straps 380 includes a buckle 382, e.g., a quickrelease buckle 382. When the buckles 382 are secured, a scooter 100could be stored with the storage straps 380 by inserting it rear wheel131 first through the spaced created by the buckled straps. The scooteris thus supported by the storage straps 380. The closure device 260 canthen be used to secure the steer tube 122 of the scooter 100, asdiscussed in more detail above. The user can also use the releasablestrap 229 to secure scooter handlebar 136 b to the shoulder strap 228.

Thus, it is seen that scooter cases and backpack apparatus are provided.It should be understood that any of the foregoing configurations andspecialized components or may be interchangeably used with any of theapparatus or systems of the preceding embodiments. Although illustrativeembodiments are described hereinabove, it will be evident to one skilledin the art that various changes and modifications may be made thereinwithout departing from the scope of the disclosure. It is intended inthe appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications thatfall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

1. A backpack apparatus comprising: a backpack body having a topportion, a bottom portion, a front portion, a back portion, a first sideportion, and a second side portion and defining a main storagecompartment; the bottom portion having a front edge, a back edge, afirst side edge, and a second side edge; the front edge of the bottomportion being fixedly attached to the front portion of the backpack bodyand the back edge of the bottom portion being fixedly attached to theback portion of the backpack body; and one or more of the first sideedge of the bottom portion and the second side edge of the bottomportion being unattached to the backpack body.
 2. The backpack apparatusof claim 1 wherein the bottom portion is expandable.
 3. The backpackapparatus of claim 1 further comprising a fastener operatively coupledto the bottom portion.
 4. The backpack apparatus of claim 3 wherein thefastener is a zipper assembly on one or more of the first side edge ofthe bottom portion and the second side edge of the bottom portion. 5.The backpack apparatus of claim 3 wherein the fastener comprises atleast one buckle.
 6. The backpack apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a closure device attached to the first side portion of thebackpack body.
 7. The backpack apparatus of claim 6 further comprising aside pocket on the first side portion of the backpack body, the sidepocket located below the closure device.
 8. A carrying case for ascooter, comprising: a main body having a top portion, a front portion,a back portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion; and ascooter storage compartment defined by the top portion, the frontportion, the back portion, the first side portion, the second sideportion, and a bottom portion; the bottom portion having a front edge, aback edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge; one or more of thefront edge, the back edge, the first side edge, and the second side edgeof the bottom portion being fixedly attached to the main body; one ormore of the front edge, the back edge, the first side edge, and thesecond side edge of the bottom portion being unattached to the mainbody; and the bottom portion being convertible between an openconfiguration and a closed configuration.
 9. The carrying case of claim8 wherein the back edge of the bottom portion is fixedly attached to theback portion of the main body, and the front edge, the first side edge,and the second side edge of the bottom portion are unattached to themain body.
 10. The carrying case of claim 9 further comprising afastener operatively coupled to the bottom portion.
 11. The carryingcase of claim 10 wherein the fastener is a zipper assembly movablearound the first side edge, the front edge, and the second side edge ofthe bottom portion.
 12. The carrying case of claim 10 wherein thefastener comprises at least one buckle.
 13. The carrying case of claim 8further comprising an expander element connected to a side portion ofthe main body and to the bottom portion of the main body to facilitateexpansion of the bottom portion.
 14. The carrying case of claim 8further comprising a closure device attached to the first side portionof the main body.
 15. The carrying case of claim 14 further comprising aside pocket on the first side portion of the main body, the side pocketlocated below the closure device.
 16. A backpack apparatus comprising: abackpack body having a top portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, aback portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion anddefining a main storage compartment; the bottom portion having a frontedge, a back edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge; one ormore of the front edge, the back edge, the first side edge, and thesecond side edge of the bottom portion being fixedly attached to thebackpack body; one or more of the front edge, the back edge, the firstside edge, and the second side edge of the bottom portion beingunattached to the backpack body; one or more shoulder straps connectedto the backpack body; and a releasable strap slidably connectable to theone or more shoulder straps; the releasable strap having a shoulderstrap mounting portion and a scooter receiving portion, the shoulderstrap mounting portion including a webbing strip and an elastic strip,and the scooter receiving portion including a scooter securing part anda scooter fastener part.
 17. The backpack apparatus of claim 16 whereinthe webbing strip comprises an elastic material.
 18. The backpackapparatus of claim 16 wherein the scooter fastener part comprises avelcro material.
 19. The backpack apparatus of claim 16 wherein the backedge of the bottom portion is fixedly attached to the back portion ofthe main body, and the front edge, the first side edge, and the secondside edge of the bottom portion are unattached to the main body.
 20. Thebackpack apparatus of claim 16 wherein the front edge of the bottomportion is fixedly attached to the front portion of the backpack bodyand the back edge of the bottom portion is fixedly attached to the backportion of the backpack body; and one or more of the first side edge ofthe bottom portion and the second side edge of the bottom portion isunattached to the backpack body.